"It's the most wonderful time of the year
with rifle cartridges jingling
and bull elk bugling,
I'm of good cheer
it's the most wonderful time of the year!"


"It's the hap-happiest season of all
with the tent stove thrumming
and firewood snapping
while we relax from meat haul,
it's the hap-happiest season of all!"


In all seriousness. First rifle elk season in Colorado is one of the better times of the year for me. I love being up in the high mountains in a canvas wall tent at night feeling the soothing heat of a wood fire in the stove, hearing the snapping of burning wood and the thrumming in-rush of air into the stove. I like the easy, free ranging conversations my partners and I have while resting and eating. I like seeing the dull red color of the fire that escapes from crevices of the metal stove on the inside walls of the tent while I'm falling to sleep in my sleeping bag on a solid cot, to smell the mild odor of wood smoke. I love being out on the lightly snow dusted slopes during the day with a fine rifle in my hands.


I'll be leaving to drive out in 3 more weeks.

Yup, countdown has started. I've got all the stuff bought and in freezer/totes for group of 4.
Dan

Best of luck guys. I certainly wish I had a trip scheduled but will be sitting this one out recovering from a double arterial bypass a week ago. I will be working very hard on the rehab and hope to get back to Colorado next year. Nothing like elk hunting.

Should be a great 1st season as the rut is running late this year. 1st season should see some good rutting activity.

Part of us are going up on the 9th and set up tents I will go back on the 12th with the horses and cooler. Rest of group will show up on Thurs and Friday....gonna make the entire season.
Dan